Every spring, Yokohama Cherry Blossom Avenue attracts a large number of tourists to enjoy the cherry blossoms. This trail starts from Sakuragicho and extends along the driveway all the way to Canal Park. It is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in downtown Yokohama. This article will show you how to walk along Sakura Avenue step by step, plan the most smooth walking route, and visit famous attractions such as Yokohama Landmark Tower and Nippon Maru along the way.
The article also summarizes transportation methods, the best time to view cherry blossoms and photography suggestions. Whether it is your first time traveling to Yokohama or you are looking for family-friendly walking spots, this guide can help you easily grasp the highlights of your trip. Don't know how to get to Yokohama Sakura Avenue? Follow this guide and experience the romance of spring in Yokohama!
Take the moving walkway directly to Yokohama Sakura Avenue
The Novice Village can be accessed from JR Sakuragicho Station. Go left and you will see an elevator going up, which is connected to a 400-meter-long moving walkway. As you "walk" along, you will see the sailboat Nippon Maru, the landmark tower, etc. In front of Nippon Maru are various cherry trees planted, which is the starting point of this Cherry Blossom Avenue. For a novice village, the difficulty level is 0 stars.
▲ Walk forward and you will see the entrance to the electric walkway.
First visit to the starting point of Yokohama Cherry Blossom Road
When you get off the electric walkway, you will first see the cherry blossoms in front of the sailboat Nippon Maru. When we visited, the weather had just warmed up, and several cherry trees were in full bloom. In addition, chairs were set up for tourists to rest, so a family of three could absorb the bright spring scenery and leisure. There were even young Japanese people sitting here reading books, which was an ultimate enjoyment.
▲ Japan’s urban landscape is worth learning, as it allows people to have more comfortable outdoor space.
Yokohama Sakura Avenue was originally a waterway?
The predecessor of Yokohama Sakura Avenue was the Yokohama Channel, which was built in the Meiji era and provided an important source of water supply for Yokohama City. With the changes of the times, the original waterway has gradually been transformed into a trail for citizens to relax, and a large number of cherry trees have been planted, making it a popular place for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
There are dozens of cherry trees planted along this cherry blossom viewing trail, forming a pink sea of flowers in spring. The cherry trees are mainly distributed on both sides of the driveway. For me, it is a great spot for cherry blossom viewing and taking photos. I suggest that novices make good use of the multi-magnification lens of their mobile phones, such as the iPhone 5x zoom, which can "compress" the picture to make the cherry blossoms more lush.
In the official promotional photos, there is an angle that takes a bird's-eye view of the landmark building under a cherry blossom tree. I found this tree at that time, but unfortunately it has become a carpet of cherry blossoms. I suggest that you take advantage of the full bloom and refer to the picture to get a classic cherry blossom photo.
▲ I hope I’ll have a chance to take this photo again next year, of cherry blossoms and the landmark building.
Bonus: Sakura Avenue itinerary, Yokohama 30+ attractions list
How to arrange the itinerary in Novice Village? Here are my suggestions:
Morning│Sakura Avenue and Minato Mirai
- Cherry Blossom Avenue│ Start from JR Sakuragicho Station and walk along Sakura Avenue to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom on both sides. The cherry blossoms in this area are mainly light pink and white Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, which contrast beautifully with the modern buildings.
- Car lane│ The Railway Avenue next to Sakura Avenue was originally part of the Rinko Railway and is now a pedestrian path, providing another angle to appreciate the cherry blossoms and Minato Mirai.
Afternoon│Yokohama Landmark Tower and Art Museum
- Shiseido Global Innovation Center│ Walk to Minato Mirai Station, where you can enjoy healthy vegetarian meals or desserts at the S/PARK Café run by Shiseido Parlour.
- Yokohama Museum of Art│ It houses more than 14,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art from the time Yokohama opened its port, and there are also occasional exhibitions.
- Yokohama Landmark Tower│ In the evening, go to the Landmark Building. There is an observation deck "Sky Garden" on the 69th floor, where you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset and night view of Yokohama!
Evening│Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1 and 2
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse│ Walk to the Red Brick Warehouse, which was Yokohama's logistics base more than 100 years ago. It has now been transformed into a popular tourist attraction with grocery stores, trendy brand stores and restaurants.
- Sea Bass Water Bus│ If time permits, you can take the Sea Bass water bus to enjoy the night view of Yokohama from the sea and experience the city from a different perspective.
Yokohama 30+ Spots List
Yokohama is a must-visit city near Tokyo, with its exotic port scenery, abundant tourist attractions and gourmet food options. We have selected 30+ check-in spots, including popular attractions such as the Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park, Yokohama Chinatown, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, etc., allowing you to experience the unique charm of the port city.
In addition, I have compiled a list of delicious restaurants that I have visited, hoping to satisfy your taste buds, whether it is a few days trip or an in-depth tour. Whether you are traveling with your family, dating a couple, or just a traveler who loves taking photos, this guide can help you plan your itinerary in the Novice Village. Save this guide to Yokohama attractions and follow the recommended routes to explore this charming port city!
Related Post: Yokohama Attractions Quick Guide: 30+ Popular Attractions and Itineraries Recommended for a Happy Travel in Yokohama!
